Work Begins on AUKUS-Enabling Defence HQ at SA’s Lot Fourteen

Construction has begun on the heart of central Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen innovation precinct that will play a vital role supporting nuclear submarine construction under the trilateral AUKUS defence pact.

To be known as Defence HQ, the 11-storey building near the Adelaide botanic garden, off North Terrace received development approval on July 7. The South Australian government said the building would be a hub of defence, space and critical technologies and support AUKUS.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said AUKUS, under which nuclear subs will be built at a $30-billion plant at Osborne near Port Adelaide, would be a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“Defence HQ strengthens Lot Fourteen’s position as a powerhouse of defence, space and critical technology capability, helping create the jobs and industries of the future here in South Australia,” he said.

BAE Systems Australia will establish its SA headquarters at Defence HQ. The facility will connect to BAE’s operations at Osborne, the Edinburgh defence precinct, the Tonsley innovation district and Findon technical college.

Defence HQ will also house the $60-million Australian Defence Technologies Academy, a $24.5-million innovation hub to be led by Adelaide university and a $20-million Spacebase funded by the SA government.

▲ Work has begn on Defence HQ [right] at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen precinct.

Australian-owned contractor Built will construct Defence HQ. The state anticipates completion by the end of 2028.

Defence HQ continues Built’s work at Lot Fourteen that includes façade upgrades to four heritage buildings, base works on buildings and fit-outs to the existing Bice building.

Federal defence industry minister Pat Conroy said AUKUS would be the greatest industrial project undertaken in Australia and that South Australia would be at the heart of it.